Chavez Jr rejects WBC title shot against Dirrell

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr has turned down the opportunity to be the mandatory challenger to new WBC super-middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell, the World Boxing Council have informed WBN.

The 28 year-old has been consistently linked to a massive clash with Carl Froch in Las Vegas early next year and this latest move could be an indication that an agreement with the Briton may well be achievable.

Dirrell, 29, was due to be pitted against Chavez, who was given number one status by the WBC upon his decision to move up from 160lbs, although the American will now get to choose who he faces next.

“The WBC confirms Julio Cesar Chavez Jr as mandatory contender of the division. However the WBC has been officially notified that Julio will not exercise his mandatory status,” a WBC statement read.

“So, Anthony Dirrell has been approved to make a voluntary defense of the title. The WBC Board will address the mandatory situation immediately.”

Next in line behind Chavez is compatriot Gilberto Sanchez Ramirez, although George Groves and Christopher Rebrasse are fighting a final eliminator on September 20 which will see either of them become the new mandatory.

Ramirez, who is a talented undefeated fighter who was named WBN World Title Prospect of the Year in the past, will be given his shot at Dirrell once ‘The Dog’ completes his first defense and then fights Groves or Rebrasse.